Gearing Up for Autumn in the Mile High City

Autumn has arrived in Denver. It’s that time of year for Broncos football, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and warm apple pie. But while you’re enjoying all the autumn traditions, there’s one essential task you shouldn’t overlook: preparing your home for the cooler months ahead.

Those balmy summer afternoons in Denver can quickly give way to chilly nights. Your heating system is about to become your home’s most valuable player, and it needs a proper warm-up.

As a trusted resource for connecting homeowners with Denver HVAC experts, Bryant Colorado is here to help. We’ve put together five essential tips to help you get your system in top shape for the season.

Following this autumn HVAC maintenance checklist will boost your home’s comfort and air quality and help you save on energy bills.

Tip 1: Swap Out That Dirty Air Filter

Your HVAC filter traps dust, dirt, pet dander, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating through your home and clogging up your system. However, a clogged filter is a major roadblock to efficiency.

When your filter is dirty, your HVAC unit has to work harder to push air through, leading to reduced airflow, increased energy consumption, and a shorter system lifespan.

A clean filter is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to improve your Colorado indoor air quality. We typically recommend checking and replacing disposable filters every 30 to 90 days. If you have a washable filter, a simple cleaning is all that’s needed. This quick, simple task ensures your system runs smoothly and helps keep your indoor air fresh and clean for you and your family to breathe.

Tip 2: Clean Your Outdoor Unit

While your furnace will be doing the heavy lifting this fall, your outdoor unit (the condenser for your AC or heat pump) also needs some attention. Throughout the spring and summer, it can accumulate dirt, leaves, grass clippings, and other debris that reduce its efficiency.

Before temperatures drop for good in Denver, take a moment to clear away any foliage or clutter from around the unit. Gently rinse the condenser coils with a hose to remove dirt and grime. This simple cleaning task can help your heat pump operate more efficiently when it needs to switch into heating mode.

Remember, proper airflow is key, so make sure the unit has a clear, unobstructed perimeter.

Tip 3: Check and Calibrate Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is the quarterback for your entire HVAC system, barking out plays every time the temperature changes. As we transition into fall, it’s a good time to check that it’s working correctly and that your settings are optimized for the cooler weather.

Consider setting a schedule that aligns with your family’s routine. For example, you can program it to lower the temperature while you’re at work or sleeping, and then increase it to a comfortable level before you wake up or return home. This small adjustment can make a big difference in your energy usage and comfort levels.

If you have an older, manual thermostat, now might be the perfect time to upgrade to a smart model that can help you save even more on your utility bills. You can ask a professional from our network about available tax credits and local utility rebates.

Tip 4: Address Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Ever feel a little stuffy inside once the windows are shut for good? Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) might be the culprit. In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness.

Beyond regularly changing your HVAC filter, there are other steps you can take to boost your home’s IAQ. You can open your windows for a few minutes each day to bring in fresh air and push out stale indoor air. Regular cleaning, including dusting and vacuuming, helps remove dust mites, pet dander, and other common allergens from your home’s surfaces.

For a long-term solution, consider a whole-home air purifier or humidifier. A whole-home humidifier can help maintain ideal humidity levels (between 30% and 50%), which can prevent respiratory issues and dry, itchy skin.

A Bryant professional in our network can help you explore comprehensive clean air solutions to find the right fit for your home and family.

Tip 5: Schedule a Professional Autumn Tune-Up

A professional autumn tune-up is the single best way to ensure your heating system is ready for the cold weather ahead.

During an annual furnace tune-up or heat pump tune-up, the Denver HVAC professionals in our network will meticulously inspect your system, cleaning components, checking for potential issues like gas leaks or cracked heat exchangers, and ensuring all parts are working efficiently.

This preventative maintenance is crucial. It helps catch small problems before they become major, costly breakdowns, extends the life of your equipment, and ensures your system is operating safely.

Schedule a Fall Tune-Up Today!

Don’t wait until the first cold snap hits to discover a problem. An annual tune-up provides peace of mind and ensures your system operates at peak efficiency. Schedule your heating service and repair with a qualified local expert in the Bryant Colorado network.